Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has expressed deep concern over the ongoing persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria, lamenting that those responsible for such acts are rarely held accountable.
He highlighted that, despite numerous attacks on Christians and church properties in recent years, no individual has been prosecuted for these crimes.
Speaking virtually during the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria, Eko Subordinate Council, in Lagos, Bishop Kukah addressed the theme: ‘Christian Martyrdom in Nigeria…a Building Block or Stumbling Block to Salvation or Patriotism.’
He criticized the ethnic bias often associated with the Christian faith in Nigeria, urging that such attitudes must be abandoned.
Bishop Kukah emphasized, “In Northern Nigeria, Christians are among those who can be killed without consequences. Has anyone ever been charged for burning churches or destroying Christian properties? A pastor was slaughtered openly in Adamawa. Priests were killed in Benue and Kaduna.Yet, it seems that killing Christians is the one thing the world does without facing repercussions.”
He also pointed out that Christianity in many parts of Northern Nigeria is merely “tolerated,” with Christians being denied the right to acquire land for building churches, an issue he also faces elsewhere, including in Kenya.
Bishop Kukah urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and continue preaching the gospel regardless of the challenges.
He stressed that the gospel transcends political and ethnic boundaries, and martyrdom is not only about physical death but about enduring hardship for speaking the truth.
Reflecting on his own experiences during the Abacha regime, he recalled being told to stay silent to avoid being killed, but he maintained that Christians are constantly challenged to embrace martyrdom in their daily lives.
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